Agenda and draft minutes

To welcome those present to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He and the other Members of the Board all introduced themselves.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Tamara Reay of Devizes Rural West.

The Chairman also took the opportunity to thank the Board’s outgoing Democratic Services Officer, Tara Hunt.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2022.

The minutes of the last meeting were presented for consideration, and it was,

Resolved:

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 5 December 2022 as a true and correct record.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

The Chairman and Councillor Iain Wallis declared an Other Registerable Interest (ORI) in agenda item 11, specifically the youth grant application from Devizes Town Council (DTC), as members of DTC.

The Chairman also declared an Other Registerable Interest (ORI) in agenda items 11 and 13, specifically the grant applications from Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts (DOCA) as a trustee of DOCA.

The Members confirmed that they would not take part in the final debate and vote on those items and would leave the room.

To receive the following announcements through the Chairman:

·       King Charles III Coronation – Community Celebrations

·       Emergency Contact Hubs – helping resilience in the community

·       Fostering update

·       Family Help Hubs

·       Devizes Air Quality and Sustainable Transport

·       Area Board Priorities

The Chairman drew attention to the written updates provided in the agenda supplement on the upcoming coronation of King Charles III and the associated community celebrations, Emergency Contact Hubs, Family Help Hubs and Devizes Air Quality and Sustainable Transport.

In addition to the written update on fostering, Councillor Laura Mayes emphasised the importance of fostering, drawing attention to the 450 children in care across Wiltshire and the constant demand for families, also noting that the Council do pay foster families. Further details on becoming a fostering can be found at Wiltshire Council - Fostering with Wiltshire (fosteringwiltshire.uk).

The Chairman noted that a full update on Area Board priorities would be ready for the June meeting of the Area Board.

The Chairman also updated the Board on the progress the Kenavon Venture, announcing the publicity event to launch the new season at Devizes Wharf from 11 am on 13 May 2023.

Lastly, the Chairman announced the Devizes Youth Awards 2023, stating that the Council had collaborated with the Bear Club Foundation to create the awards designed to celebrate the work being done by young people in Devizes. Nominations for the awards could be made by emailing enquires@devizes-tc.gov.uk.

To receive updates from the following partners:

·       Wiltshire Police

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

·       Health Services

o   Healthwatch Wiltshire

o   BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Community First

·       School’s updates

·       Town and Parish Councils

·       Sustainable Devizes

·       Opendoors

·       Devizes Development Partnership

·       Devizes and District Foodbank

In addition to the written updates in the pack, the following verbal updates were given:

·       Wiltshire Police

Further to the written update provided in the agenda supplement by Wiltshire Police, Inspector Benjamin Huggins gave a brief community report, covering local crime rates and types of crime, including a hate crime overview. Attention was also drawn to the statistics of the Speed Enforcement Officer.

Inspector Huggins pointed to an emerging priority of youth crime, highlighting the partnership work being done to target, prevent and educate.

Inspector Huggins also provided an update on the Station Road Car Park closure order, stating that the order had expired but was still being actively policed.

Inspector Huggins notified the Area Board of the recent change in operating model for the Police, with Inspector Huggins now serving as Inspector for the neighbourhood policing team as well as response teams, resulting in greater flexibility to draw upon the breadth of the policing team.

The Chairman asked if there was a link between shoplifting and the youth crime affecting Devizes. Inspector Huggins thought there may be a link and also described a cultural shift, mentioning an increase in homeless crime.

Councillor Jacobs asked for an update on the new Chief Constable Catherine Roper, who was appointed in February 2023. Inspector Huggins pointed to her wealth of experience in metropolitan policing and also to her residency in rural Wiltshire. He described her leadership as a breath of fresh air, with an emphasis on neighbourhood policing.

Councillor Whitehead enquired about an outstanding promise from the Police about a walkaround in his division, which Inspector Huggins affirmed he would be happy to fulfil.

Councillor Wallis asked about speeding on Dunkirk Hill, which Inspector Huggins noted. Councillor Dominic Muns commented that the speed enforcement work in Market Lavington was having a positive impact.

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS)

Further to the written update provided in the agenda supplement by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), Station Manager Robbie MacPherson reiterated that there was little to report, with no concerning trends emerging, but was keen to promote the Service’s ‘Safe and Well’ message regarding the safe heating of homes during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

·       Opendoors

Noel Woolrych announced the appointment of the new Chair of Opendoors, Karin Cardiff.

·       Devizes Development Partnership

Noel Woolrych noted that CCTV cameras were to be installed in the central car park, west central car park, along the side of the Shambles, the cycle racks by the Super Loo, the top of Morris Lane, the slaughterhouse and Little Brittox.

·       Devizes and District Foodbank

The Chairman noted that Alex Montegriffo of the Devizes and District Foodbank had sent apologies and directed attendees to the written update from Devizes and District Foodbank. 

Note: The Chairman announced that he was going to alter the agenda order and take the Youth agenda item and al the grants at this point in the meeting, as some attendees needed to leave the meeting early.

A session on how we can work towards reducing car journeys in the Devizes Community Area.

·       Introduction

·       Presentations, including:

o   LTP4 and Sustainable Transport

o   Devizes LCWIP

o   Bus service improvements / DRT

o   School Travel Plans and Devizes Railway Station

·       Workshop

Group discussions, focused on answering the following questions:

o   How can we increase the number of journeys taken to school by sustainable transport / active travel?

o   How can we increase the number of journeys within Devizes by sustainable transport / active travel?

o   How can we connect and support the villages with Devizes and other towns through sustainable transport / active travel?

·       Feedback / comments / questions

Councillor Tamara Reay introduced the workshop on reducing car journeys in the Devizes community area in a pre-recorded video.

·       Devizes LCWIP

Catherine Read from Cycle Friendly Devizes spoke on the ambition to reduce motor travel dependency over the next 20 years, suggesting that they should prioritise developing the infrastructure of a walking and cycling network to make alternative means of travel more viable for the future.

·       Bus service improvements / DRT

Jason Salter, Head of Service for Passenger Transport at Wiltshire Council, shared the findings of a recent survey on bus usage, and suggested that they would aim to increase the frequency of buses in Devizes.

·       School Travel Plans and Devizes Railway Station

Richard Rogers, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager at Wiltshire Council), travel to and from school, drew attention to how much traffic is generated by travel to and from school and the difference a single coach can make. He also noted the high doses of air pollution and higher risk of accident caused by such congestion. He spoke on the School Travel Plan, an advisory document designed to reduce car usage and promote sustainable transport.

Catharine Symington of the Devizes Gateway Project provided an update on the Devizes Railway Station. She explained that work on feasibility started in August 2022 and received lots of feedback. She stated that the proposed station would now be on south side of railway, with access further down the away from a dangerous bend. Walking and cycling plans, as well as bus connections, had all been considered, along with connections to outlying villages. A study is due to finish at the end of March 2023. 

·       Electric Vehicle Charging Points

Adrian Hampton, Head of Highways Operations at Wiltshire Council, discussed the future of fuels and technology, and the aspiration towards sustainable electric charging points.

The meeting then split up into groups to workshop ideas for promoting sustainable transport in the Devizes community area. The groups then fed back to the meeting. Some of the recurring ideas to arise from discussion were:

·       The importance of establishing safe, well-lit pedestrian and cycling routes and readily available bike storage

·       Bikeability training

·       The importance of a fully integrated plan and a joined up approach

·       Variable speed limits near schools

·       Upgrading Rights of Way and bridleways

·       Walking buses

·       Car-sharing

·       Resident’s parking permits near schools

·       Remapping school bus routes

·       An app to encourage parents to walk to school with their children

Graham Martin from Sustainable Devizes addressed the meeting, speaking on the transformative potential of the new government targets, and the importance not to approach them with a scatter gunning of initiatives. He suggested that political willpower was necessary to solve the problem holistically, involving partnerships between several groups and organisations. Members suggested that the Air Quality and Sustainable Transport Group be better utilised to this end as it was an open forum which all interested parties could attend.

The Board also discussed the impact of school admissions on sustainability, touching on the possible remedies to parents driving their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive updates on the cost of living and the actions taken since the last meeting.

Councillor Whitehead updated the Board on the ongoing Cost of Living crisis and the Council’s response. He highlighted a communication circulated by the Board signposting to the help available and explained that grants were available to support organisations seeking to provide a warm, safe space. He confirmed that uptake had been mixed, with some applications already received and some grants awarded, but he expressed a hope that more would follow.

Residents are invited to ask questions of their local councillors.

The Chairman then invited questions from the floor. Questions were asked about the possibility of a 20mph speed limit being imposed on main roads near schools rather than the minor roads directly next to them, with the high speed of traffic in Market Lavington referenced specifically.

The Health Centre in the Marshall Road was queried. It was put to the Board that the circulated leaflet described the Health Centre as very easy to access because of its large car park, and that this was not helpful for promoting sustainable travel. Jason Salter advised that the upcoming revised bus timetable would hopefully factor in access to the health centre. He also explained that the £2 bus fare had been extended until June and that the upcoming Connect2 service aimed to be competitively priced. He warned that commercial issues were at play when dealing with fare pricing, which hampered the viability of lowering fares. Finally, Mr Salter informed the Board that a Fares policy was soon to be developed to aid decision-making surrounding fare prices.

To consider the update from Cllr Dominic Muns (Chairman) and any recommendations arising from the Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG).

The Board then heard an update from Councillor Muns, Chairman of the Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG).

Councillor Muns proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Kelvin Nash and it was,

Resolved:

·       To note the discussions from the LHFIG meeting on 17 January 2023

·       To confirm the progress of the high priority schemes agreed by LHFIG

·       To confirm LHFIG’s contribution to “Seend A361 - Speed limit reduction” at zero cost to the DAB

·       To confirm LHFIG’s contribution to “Wedhampton - Request for 20mph Limit”: £1,875 (75% of £2,500).

To receive any updates on youth work in the area and consider the following applications for youth grant funding:

·       Wiltshire Youth for Christ, £492.96 towards pop up cafe enhancement.

·       Devizes Town Council, £5,000 towards Devizes Community Outreach programme.

·       Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, £5.000 towards Event Tech Training For Youth with DOCA.

Full grant report with further details under agenda item 13.

Councillor Muns informed the Board that he had received updates from many grant recipients and would collate a video for the Area Board’s June meeting.

The Board then considered the following applications for youth grant funding:

·       Wiltshire Youth for Christ, £492.96 towards pop up cafe enhancement.

Fergus Stewart, Director at Wiltshire Youth for Christ spoke in support of their application.

After discussion, Councillor Nash, seconded by Councillor Muns proposed that the grant be awarded in full and it was,

Resolved

To grant Wiltshire Youth for Christ, £492.96 towards pop up cafe enhancement.

Reason

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

·       Devizes Town Council, £5,000 towards Devizes Community Outreach programme.

Simon Fisher, Devizes Town Council Clerk, spoke in support of the application.

Due to their interest in the application, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman then left the room. Councillor Jacobs was elected as a temporary Chairman.

Councillor Whitehead was supportive in principal but wanted to see further detail regarding the proposals. He proposed that the grant be awarded in full, with the condition that further details be provided. This was seconded by Councillor Mayes and it was,

Resolved

To grant Devizes Town Council, £5,000 towards Devizes Community Outreach programme, with the condition that further details on the project be provided.

Reason

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

The Chairman and Vice Chairman re-joined the meeting.

·       Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, £5.000 towards Event Tech Training For Youth with DOCA

Representatives of DOCA spoke in support of the application.

Due to his interest in the application, the Chairman left the room, and the Vice Chairman took the chair.

Councillor Mayes, second by Councillor Muns proposed that the grant be awarded in full, and it was,

Resolved

To grant Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, £5.000 towards Event Tech Training For Youth with DOCA

Reason

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

The Chairman re-joined the meeting.

To consider the following application for Older People and Vulnerable Adults funding:

·       Sian Rob Music CIC, £600 towards Community Singalong Sessions.

Full grant report with further details under agenda item 13.

The Chairman introduced the grant for Older People and Vulnerable Adults funding:

1.    Sian Rob Music CIC, £600 towards Community Singalong Sessions.

Sian Colquhoun spoke in support of the application.

Members discussed the application and the Chairman proposed to award the grant in full, which was seconded by Councillor Whitehead and it was,

Resolved

To grant Sian Rob Music CIC, £600 towards Community Singalong Sessions.

Reason

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

To consider the following application to the Community Area Grants Scheme:

·       Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, £2.200 towards Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts Website.

The Vice-Chairman introduced the application for Community Area Grant funding:

1.    Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, £2,200 towards Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts Website. (Community Area Grant).

Representatives of DOCA then spoke in support of the application.

The Chairman left the room, due to his interest in the item.

Members discussed the application, Councillor Whitehead, seconded by Councillor Jacobs proposed that the grant be awarded in full, and it was,

Resolved

To grant Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, £2,200 towards Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts Website. (Community Area Grant).

Reason

The application met grant criteria for 2022/23.

The Chairman re-joined the meeting.

Any other items of business which the Chairman agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items.

The next ordinary meeting of the Area Board will be held on 19 June 2023.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and confirmed that the next ordinary meeting would be held on 19 June 2023.